Usually editing is the most expensive service when it comes to writing a book, and editing is absolutely essential. There are so many things you can do to improve your manuscript before you hire an editor. Ask a friend or loved one to read it and give you honest feedback about what is working and what isn’t. Join a local club or writing group and get feedback from other writers. Finish your book completely and then go back and rewrite the whole thing. Many authors get so caught up in the excitement of publishing that they don’t do a second draft, or they feel overconfident in their own abilities and think their work is perfect and doesn’t need another draft. Writing is revision. Don’t just hire an editor after your first draft. Make the book the best you can be before you hire an editor. Then instead of just fixing simple mistakes your editor can work more creatively with you on the content and structure of the book.